RTI Commission orders disclosure of RW’s assets as PM

The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has directed the Presidential Secretariat to disclose the declaration of assets and liabilities of Ranil Wickremesinghe in his role as Prime Minister for 2015 and 2016, the Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the TISL said the order was made pursuant to an initial request it filed on February 3, 2017.

“This decision would enable TISL to publicly release the asset declaration once received, as it has been obtained under the RTI Act. The RTIC noted that any parts of the declaration relating to third parties may be redacted and determined that the grounds raised by the Presidential Secretariat – including that the information should be private - do not stand,” it said.

While welcoming the order, the TISL encouraged citizens to use asset declarations as a tool to publicly examine allegations of wealth accumulation and to counter corruption.

Meanwhile, on TISL’s request for access to the asset declaration of President Maithripala Sirisena for 2015 and 2016, the RTIC held that the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law does not include the position of President.

However, the Commission has noted that “the increasing trend among Heads of State is to proactively disclose their assets and liabilities to foster a practice of transparency and public accountability”.

The RTIC recommended that this lacuna in the law be redressed, as it would advance “a culture of public accountability and good governance as envisaged by the RTI Act”.

TISL Executive Director Asoka Obeyesekere said this marks a major victory for RTI and the campaign to get asset declarations into the hands of the people.

“We expect the Presidential Secretariat to take action to furnish a copy of the Asset Declaration as directed by the RTI Commission, which we will immediately share with the public,”he said.

Comments - 19

Saradiel Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:07 PM

Think assets of all parliamentarians should be published. Most of these politicians become super rich after coming into politics.

Good Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:09 PM

Good opportunity for RW to set an example and MS, MR to follow same

Unchikun Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:10 PM

I am not from the upper class in Sri Lanka society. Ranil is comes from a good and wealthy background. Not like the Gamaralas or White Van operators. A waste of time.

gamini Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:11 PM

can we also have the assets of MR and family, Wimal etc.

SENA Wednesday, 05 December 2018 05:05 PM

Now that is international conspiracy. ha ha

SAM Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:18 PM

Why cant the commission do this for all the ministers

Patriot Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:50 PM

for all the ministers since 1977.

Cloud Wednesday, 05 December 2018 05:03 PM

The commission can only do it if someone made an application under RTI.

disclose assets of all the rascals Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:25 PM

Start the ball rolling - follow up by releasing the information of assets of MR, SB, MS, LK. RK, BG, UG, LK, Ven R, GR, BR, NR, D Acca, etc etc. We understand it will (if any !) will be the rupees and not the hoarded dollars and real estate overseas.

nsathees Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:28 PM

Any person want to be elected should submit their assets declaration for public view. full stop.

raj Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:28 PM

did this commission ever ask MR and others to disclose their assets in the past. If it is genuine one it must ask ALL politicians to disclose their assets.

Cloud Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:51 PM

You idiot. did you read the article? This commission can only respond to RTI applications made by someone. This order was given since the TISL has made a request asking RW's assets. In order to declare others including MR,'s assets, there has to have a RTI application. Why don't you go ahead and apply. Anyone can do it. STOP blaming the good commission.

Ron Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:29 PM

Mahinda, gota, basil and chamal should be examined also

Veda mama Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:33 PM

Excellent move. Dig into the assets of all parliamentarians. Will there be any one with clean hands?

Rohan Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:44 PM

This is going to be another feather on Ranil's cap

ravin Wednesday, 05 December 2018 04:45 PM

It must make compulsory to declare assets and liability statement with their nomination papers. First disqualification of any nomination paper must be not declaring asset and liability declaration certified by qualified account professional and subject to check and verified. If implemented, sure all political parties will have to advertised to find suitable candidate for their party.

TONY Wednesday, 05 December 2018 05:02 PM

IS THE ORDER COMING FROM MS

Voter Wednesday, 05 December 2018 08:16 PM

Why is that nobody talks of the Assets Declaration of Govt. Officials? Couldn't they have amassed wealth? How can one be certain that the declaration made by Politicians are 100 % correct?

Jagath fernando Wednesday, 05 December 2018 08:29 PM

Gen public should demand all of these to disclose assets before next election

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